Hadith #3744

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he beautifully describes the nature of this worldly life. Let us delve into the meanings of the important words used in this Hadith and then explore its profound implications in light of the Quran.

The word (hulw) "حُلْوُ" in Arabic means "sweetness" or "pleasure." It refers to the temporary delights and joys that one may experience in this worldly life. The word (sabr) "صَبِرٌ" means "patience" or "endurance." It signifies the need for patience and perseverance in the face of the trials and tribulations of this world. The word (ghidha'uha) "غِذاؤُها" means "its food." It symbolizes the things that people consume and indulge in to seek satisfaction and fulfillment. The word (simam) "سِمامٌ" means "myrrh" or "poison." It represents the harmful and detrimental effects that worldly pleasures can have on the soul. Lastly, the word (asbabuha) "أسْبابُها" means "its means" or "its ways." It refers to the methods and strategies that people employ to attain worldly success and happiness. The word (rumam) "رُمامٌ" means "worn-out ropes" or "weak ropes." It highlights the fragility and impermanence of the means and resources used to achieve worldly goals.

Now, let us turn to the Quran to find verses that support and elucidate the wisdom behind Imam Ali's wise utterance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:185):

Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse reminds us that the pleasures and delights of this world are temporary and illusory. They are merely a fleeting enjoyment that will ultimately fade away. The true reward and compensation for our deeds will be granted in the Hereafter. Therefore, it is essential to maintain patience and endurance in the face of worldly trials and tribulations, as emphasized by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in his Hadith.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20):

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse highlights the deceptive nature of worldly life, where people engage in frivolous pursuits, seeking material wealth, status, and competition. However, just like a rain that temporarily brings forth lush vegetation, this worldly life will eventually wither away and turn into scattered debris. The true purpose and significance lie in the Hereafter, where eternal rewards and punishments await.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be cautious and vigilant in their pursuit of worldly pleasures. It warns against becoming attached to the temporary delights of this world, which can be likened to myrrh, a substance that may initially seem pleasant but ultimately proves to be poisonous. Similarly, the means and strategies employed to achieve worldly success are like worn-out ropes, fragile and unreliable.

By reflecting on this Hadith, Muslims are encouraged to prioritize the eternal rewards of the Hereafter over the fleeting pleasures of this world. It reminds us to exercise patience and endurance in the face of worldly trials, knowing that true fulfillment and contentment can only be found in the remembrance of Allah and the pursuit of righteousness.

May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand the true nature of this worldly life and guide us towards seeking His pleasure and the eternal rewards of the Hereafter.